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This study evaluated the effectiveness of two supervised prenatal physical activity programs on minimizing symptoms of antenatal and postnatal depression, anxiety, and perceived stress among pregnant women.
Structured physical activity in pregnancy may mitigate antenatal depression symptoms.
This study evaluated the effectiveness of two supervised prenatal physical activity programs on minimizing symptoms of antenatal and postnatal depression, anxiety, and perceived stress among pregnant women.
A total of 2 randomized controlled clinical trials were conducted across 3 regions and 5 healthcare centers in Spain, enrolling a total of 564 pregnant women allocated to either an intervention group (n = 278) or a control group (n = 278). Women in the intervention group engaged in 3 supervised physical activity sessions per week, delivered through both online and in-person formats, from enrollment until delivery. Mental health outcomes were determined via validated instruments, including the center for epidemiologic studies depression scale (CES-D), edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS), state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI), and perceived stress scale (PSS).
Post-intervention analyses illustrated a remarkable reduction in depressive symptoms in the per-protocol (PP) population (P = .028). At the end of pregnancy, the prevalence of depression-compatible symptoms was notably lower in the intervention group vs. control group in both the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis and PP analysis (Table 1).
Furthermore, those with more than 90% adherence to the exercise program exhibited substantially lower depression scores (P = .003) and reduced state anxiety levels (P = .035) at the end of gestation than women who attended fewer than 70% of sessions. Trial-specific analysis revealed markedly improved outcomes in the second trial’s intervention group, including reductions in depression (P = .043), state anxiety (P = .015), trait anxiety (P = .045), and combined anxiety measures (P = .021) relative to controls. No vital differences were noted in depression, anxiety, or stress outcomes during or after pregnancy in the ITT analysis (P > .05).
Supervised prenatal physical activity programs may play a beneficial role in alleviating depressive symptoms during late pregnancy. High adherence to structured exercise interventions appears to further boost mental health benefits, particularly by lowering prenatal depression and state anxiety. These findings support the integration of supervised physical activity into routine antenatal care as a safe, non-pharmacological strategy for improving maternal mental health.
American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM
Physical activity during pregnancy and depression, anxiety and stress: randomized clinical trials
Miguel Sánchez-Polán et al.
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